—Yes, movies are made to install predictive programming in the audience, and to plant values and behaviors, and to debase the culture, and so forth and so on. But in many movies, something much simpler is going on…

Whether it’s the good cop capturing the bad criminal, or the warrior in outer space defending the home planet against evil marauders, heroes and villains in movies spark deep resonance in the viewing audience. A link is forged.

“I want this hero. I want this hero to win. I want the good to triumph. I want evil to be vanquished.”

And why not?

These heroes, in their fictional worlds, are keeping the future open. They’re guarding their civilization. They’re keeping The Individual free—free to pursue happiness and fulfillment according to his own dictates, dreams, visions, and plans.